Ok I've got some cash saved up here is my issue. I was seriously looking at the TA211i. However I've also looked at the Maxstar 150 and 200 as well as the millermatic 211 or the 140. I'm currently using an old buzbox. I've been looking at the TA kind of like a compromise machine. But I just don't think one machine is going to fit my needs. I kinda need a portable stick machine. I also have a need for a mig. I've got some automotive restore projects in mind. My main concern right now is a portable stick. My understanding is the Maxstar 150 will not handle 6010 but will run 6011. The Maxstar 200 will burn the 6010. Which is not that big of a deal I don't do code work, but I have several hundred lb of 1/8 and 3/32 6010. That makes lean towards the Maxstar 200. Then save up a bit more and get a millermatic 140 or 211 before starting the restore projects. I really only need the MIG to weld up to about 1/8 inch. Anything bigger and I'll just stick it. I don't know how well the 140 will work for 1/8 inch on a regular basis. Anyway I know the TA would work but it just seems like a compromise machine and I'm kinda stuck on getting a miller machine. Originally before I needed / wanted a mig I was looking at the Maxstar 200. Anyway what would you do. I'm having an extreamly difficult time deciding on what to do. I would also concider a Lincolin mig or Hobart mig. HelpMiller Maxstar 200 strMontgomery Ward 250 AC/DC
Reply:Use the old Wards machine for the 6010. Don't get a maxstar, as it won't run them. 6010 and 6011 are pretty near the same rod. Maxstar doesn't gain you a process that you can't do on your current machines (dc tig and stick) Save your pennies and get the MM211. I don't think I have heard of a dissatisfied MM211 owner. It gives you 2 more processes (FC + MIG) to add to your repetoire. I know nothing about the TA macine. If it is one of the multiprocess machines, I would do some internet research, and find out who likes them and what kind of trouble they have had. They are generally DC only machines, so you are only really adding MIG/FC to your list.
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ook for an old MM200 in good shape. Mines about an '83.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerUse the old Wards machine for the 6010. Don't get a maxstar, as it won't run them. 6010 and 6011 are pretty near the same rod. Maxstar doesn't gain you a process that you can't do on your current machines (dc tig and stick)
Reply:ESAB 161 LTS? If you don't like it, send it back. http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products...Product_ID=819"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:One of the reasons I'm looking at the maxstars is the tig capability. I know the buzzbox will tig but I've always heard its better to get a machine that's designed for tig. I have 0 tig experience but I'm looking toward to learning how to. I'm taking a tig class real soon.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumESAB 161 LTS? If you don't like it, send it back. http://www.esabna.com/us/en/products...Product_ID=819
Reply:You'll be very happy with the tig capability of both Maxstars. Note that they use a different pin connection and dinse connectors however. My Maxstar 200 uses the same 14 pin pedal my Syncrowave 200 does and the same size dinse connectors. The Maxstar 150 though uses a different 5 or 6 pin ( I forget) pedal and the smaller size dinse. You won't regret getting a tig that has remote capabilities, especially when learning.However if I was building a kit, I wouldn't go with the stock Miller pedal and tig torches. You can save some money by going with an SSC pedal and a CK tig torch instead. Both of those are at least equal in quality to the Millers if not a bit better in the case of the CK torches. If I hadn't managed to pick up a tig torch and pedal off a dead XMT stupid cheap, I'd have gone with those over say Millers kit..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:The T/A 211i weighs almost as much as a transformer MIG and is not meant to run 6010s. Thermal Arc also makes the 201TS which has TIG with HF start for about 1/2 the price of the Maxstar 200. In fact, for the price of the Maxstar you could get the 201TS and a MM211 for MIG and call it a day.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:A Maxstar 150 will burn 6011 all day long. Did it all last weekend. Not a problem.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooAccording to there websight this machine will work with 6010. Is that for real? I know nothing about ESAB. Do they make quality products?
Reply:Originally Posted by Zapzoo?..My understanding is the Maxstar 150 will not handle 6010 but will run 6011. The Maxstar 200 will burn the 6010....
Reply:We have the 200 Maxstars and the CST 280's. We do mostly pipe welding with 6010 and 7018. Almost ALL prefer the CST 280 to the 200 Maxstar.The CST 280 has 100 % duty cycle at 150 amps and the 200 is only 90 amps at 100 %. The Miller 211 would be my mig machine. It is a 110 / 220 volt and is great. I use it with .030 Lincoln L 56 and it performs as others have stated here. .030 is the wire of choice on the 211 and am happy with the L 56. I think SUPER ARC posted about the Lincoln L 56 . There are many postings about wire.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Smaller inverter machines don't run 6010 well because of circuit voltage related issues. None of them burn cellulose rods very well, the arc tends to go out, or is erratic.
Reply:At first it was hard for me to get the hang of the close arc length. The amps have to be set closer to the sweet spot to get the stack of dimes. With my V350-Pro, or any of my SA-200s you can make up the difference with arc length. The small inverters have a very small window for the sweet spot.Dont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Believe it or not, and it is just my opinion! I think the Short hoods weld better with 6010 than the Red Faces or Green light. I was talking to a pipelinner, he had the same opinion, we were thinking it has to do with less RPMs, but who knows!Dont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPAt first it was hard for me to get the hang of the close arc length. The amps have to be set closer to the sweet spot to get the stack of dimes. With my V350-Pro, or any of my SA-200s you can make up the difference with arc length. The small inverters have a very small window for the sweet spot.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749With an SA 200, even a hack like me could look good
Reply:When I first started out all you seen on construction sites were SA-200s. Then Lincoln came out with Innershield, all of a sudden the SA-200s were to small, then it was SAE-400, then SAM-400s. 400-amps seems to be the norm now in heavy civil construction.Dont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I would love to get the 280. I'm really leaning to the Maxstar 200. I'm just trying to decide if I want to spend the extra cash for the SD model or if the STR is what I need. I'm trying to decide if the HF start and gas valve is worth the extra cash. I don't know if I'll ever use HF start. I don't want to feel like I waisted cad on something I'm not going to use. But at the same time I don't want to waste cash on buying another machine. Also having the ability ability to run on 115v is a big +. I want a portable stick machine as well as a tig but what's the point in buying two machines if the 200 will do what I need. I'm just really stuck on the 200 and the getting a mig later. Two machines would cover all my needs. I would have the mig / flux cord at the garage as well as the stick for welding outside or remotely or when the mig just won't do it. As well as tig. The I'll add a spool gun for when I need to do aluminum. I'll keep the buzz box as a backup or give it to the kid. I'm sure the TA machines are great but I feel like its a compromise machine. I'm not bashing the TA at all. I just don't really like compromise stuff. Like a sport touring bike. I've got a sportbike and a touring bike. Anyway thanks for all the replies.
Reply:'' PORTABLE " sounds like that is the key word along with the 110 / 220 volt. Too bad the NEW SYNCRO 210 isn't portable. That could be the answer. Now you would would have stick and tig. That's why manufactures have sooooooooooooooooooooooooo many different machines. Sorry , but you can't win. You'll end up with a mig, tig, stick, and a engine drive soon or later. A engine drive is great for emergency power too , that's what I told my wife when I bought the 302 TRAILBLAZER.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1'' PORTABLE " sounds like that is the key word along with the 110 / 220 volt. Too bad the NEW SYNCRO 210 isn't portable. That could be the answer. Now you would would have stick and tig. That's why manufactures have sooooooooooooooooooooooooo many different machines. Sorry , but you can't win. You'll end up with a mig, tig, stick, and a engine drive soon or later. A engine drive is great for emergency power too , that's what I told my wife when I bought the 302 TRAILBLAZER.
Reply:Someone may have already suggested this but the Miller Multimatic 200 looks like a good multi-process machine. I walked into the LWS fully intending to buy one and walked out with a Millermatic 211.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00361
